East Bay fogging hopes to stamp out mosquito activity

PITTSBURG, Calif. -- A fogging operation will be conducted Thursday in Pittsburg to battle a "last hurrah" of mosquito activity and the continued threat of West Nile virus in the area, Contra Costa Mosquito and Vector Control District officials said Tuesday.

District officials reported that a group of mosquitoes from Pittsburg and one dead bird from Danville have tested positive for West Nile virus. The discoveries motivated the district's fogging operation, which begins at 7:30 p.m. Thursday.

The area to be treated is bordered on the north by state Highway 4; on the east by Dover Way and Orinda Circle; on the south by Delta View Golf Club property; and on the west by Sugartree and Santa Maria drives.

"Our surveillance tells us that the source of the mosquitoes is not where we are fogging, but it's where the mosquitoes are going," said Sheila Currier, the mosquito program supervisor for the district.

Crews from the district fogged Delta View Golf Club at 2232 Golf Club Road in Pittsburg last week. Before that, Discovery Bay, Antioch and Oakley were targeted.

"Mosquitoes are enjoying their last hurrah before they hibernate for the season and are aggressively seeking a blood meal," said Currier, who advises locals to wear mosquito repellant when outdoors.

West Nile virus infections can cause fevers, headaches and body aches. In the event of rare complications, the virus can lead to neurological damage or death.

Since 2005, 54 people in Contra Costa County have been diagnosed with West Nile virus and two people died from it in 2006, according to the district.